EU Starts Antidumping Probe
Into China, Vietnam Shoes

BRUSSELS -- The European Commission Thursday launched a probe into whether China and Vietnam are exporting leather shoes below cost, the latest sign of trade strains between Europe and low-cost Asian rivals.

The move follows similar investigations into other types of footwear from China. If Europe can prove its case, World Trade Organization rules allow it to raise custom duties for five years. The probe can last up to 15 months. The European Union has struggled this year to contain surging Asian, particularly Chinese,...